Historical Events In American History: The Salem Witch Trials

The Salem Witch Trials was a historic event that occurred in Salem, Massachusetts in the year 1692 and lasted until 1693. It’s known to be a dark time in American History (Brooks, Historyof Massachusetts.org). It first began when a group of teenage girls were exposed of practicing witchcraft and it then lead to bigger things Innocent people were killed and others were treated poorly. More than 200 individuals were wrongfully blamed and 20 were executed for denying the accusations (Blumberg, Smithsonianmag.com ). To this day no one is sure as to why the trials even started. There are numerous theories that state the causes of the infamous witch hunt but only a few of them are quite convincing. Many historians believe that religion is the main
Farmers had a hard time adjusting to the climate. The theory of revenge was then introduced. Land ownership was a big deal in Salem at this time. The people would always argue about who owned the most land. Historians claim that the accusations made by the two sick girls, Ruth Putnam and Betty Parris, were encouraged by their fathers. It is said that they took advantage of the hysteria in Salem and asked their daughters to accuse specific people as a way of revenge (Brooks, HistoryofMassachusetts.org). Thomas Putnam and Reverend Parris benefitted from this because they were then able to take their land and claim it as their own. Also, the fact that these two individuals held so much power in the society gives more proof as to why this theory could be
They had strong beliefs and the society was controlled by Puritan law. The law was very strict. People believed that a little sin such as falling asleep during a church recital deserved a punishment. Women and men were expected to dress and act a certain way. According to Discovery Education, “individual differences were frowned upon” meaning people had to keep their thoughts and opinions to themselves. The Puritans believed in the devil as much as they believed in god. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, women were more “susceptible” to sin because Satan went to those who were weaker and whoever followed him was then considered a witch. Practicing witchcraft was one of the biggest sins to make and it was punishable by death. As reported by many scholars society’s way of thinking was influenced by their religion which then lead to what is known as “the darkest time in American History”.
In conclusion, religion is the main cause of the Salem Witch Trials due to many reasons. Christian Puritanism controlled the town of Salem. It influenced the citizens to think a certain way as well and it planted these thoughts in their heads. For example, believing that women are weaker than men and so on. According to the research conducted, one can see that the political cause was what made the most impact. Though, this does not mean that the environmental, economic and social causes are any less important